Investigation into Lanett train death continues

Lanett, Al.

The investigation into the death of a Lanett man who died after apparently being struck by a train on Friday is continuing.

The Lanett Police Department, Chambers County Coroners Office, the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science Medical Examiner’s Office are involved.

Lanett police and emergency medical personnel responded to the 1000 block of East Third Avenue Friday in reference to an unresponsive man, who has since been identified as James Laster, 54, of Lanett, according to a Lanett Police Department release.

As the train approached, Laster appeared to be asleep near the railroad tracks, and as train personnel attempted to stop the train, Laster was struck, according to the release.

It is unknown whether Laster had any pre-existing medical issue that may have been a factor, said LPD Lt. Angie Spates, who declined to elaborate about the investigation. “We’re going to have to wait on the medical examiner’s office.”

Laster was transported to Lanier Memorial Hospital before his remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Montgomery for a postmortem examination.